Refractometers
P re p a re d B y : N at n a e l S .
Types
There are two types of refractometers
Analog
Digital
Principle of operation
A refractometer is used to determine the index of
refraction of substance, i. e. how much a light beam
is bent
The index of refraction can indicate the density or
composition of the substance. For example, a
refractometer can determine the difference between
fresh water, which has an index of refraction of
1.333, and sea water whose index of refraction is
1.3393.
Refraction
Refraction is the change in direction of a wave due to a change in its
speed
Refraction of light is the most commonly seen example
Any type of wave can refract when it interacts with a medium
Refraction is described by Snell's law, which states that the angle of
incidence is related to the angle of refraction by :
The index of refraction is defined as the speed of light in vacuum
divided by the speed of light in the medium: n=c/v
Principle of operation
Principle of operation
They work on the principle that light entering a prism has a unique
characteristic.
That characteristic is represented by a value on a scale in units known
as ºBrix.
When light enters a dry prism, the field of view in an analog
refractometer remains blue (Fig. 2). In a digital refractometer, an error
message would appear. Both are indications that the light is not being
interfered with as it passes through the prism.
Pure water placed on the refractometer should result in a reading of
zero (Fig. 3). A solution containing sucrose (table sugar or fruit juice)
placed on the prism surface will change the direction of the light
significantly.
Home made refractometer
Refractive index of water in solution with sugar
3.5
2.5
sugar conc1
2
sugar conc2
1.5 sugar conc3
0.5
0
no sugar Category 3
